Bosnia and Herzegovina may continue to count on Bulgaria's support for the country's accession to the European Union (EU) and the implementation of the necessary reforms, President Rumen Radev said at a meeting at the Presidency with Bosnia and Herzegovina's Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic, who is on an official visit to Sofia, the head of state's press secretariat said on April 12.
With active efforts, Bulgaria brought the issue of the European integration of the Western Balkans back to the focus of the EU agenda, Radev said. He congratulated Bosnia and Herzegovina on its status as a candidate country for EU membership, as well as on the constructive and active foreign policy it has pursued.
Bulgaria was the first to recognise Bosnia and Herzegovina's independence more than 30 years ago and will continue to support its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, President Radev said. He stated Bulgaria's readiness to deepen the partnership in the security sector and the opportunity for military training and education in the context of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Euro-Atlantic integration and cooperation with NATO.
Minister Konakovic expressed appreciation for Bulgaria's consistent support for the European future of the Western Balkans. He briefed the President on the country's progress and the steps and reforms taken on the path of its European integration.
Head of State Rumen Radev and Minister Konakovic highlighted the importance of regional cooperation for achieving prosperity and security against the backdrop of global and European crises, which have a direct impact on the Balkans.
"The more we build on our connectivity in every aspect, the more prepared our countries will be for the challenges we face," Rumen Radev said. He highlighted Bulgaria's policy in the energy sector to develop interconnectivity with our neighbouring countries and increase energy independence across the region and Europe
The interconnector with Greece commissioned last year, the agreement for free access to the terminals and the gas transmission network of the Turkish company Botas, under which the first LNG tanker arrived today, as well as the Solidarity Ring project initiated by Bulgaria for the transmission of additional quantities of gas from Azerbaijan have contributed to this. The expected opening of the gas connection with Serbia by the end of 2023 could also contribute to Bosnia and Herzegovina's energy independence, Rumen Radev added.
The prospects for deepening cooperation in the economy, investment sector, tourism, education were also discussed during the meeting. Minister Konakovic invited President Rumen Radev to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina in the near future.
Earlier today, Konakovic met with caretaker Prime Minister Galab Donev and caretaker Foreign Minister Nikolai Milkov.
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